In Review
First Week of November 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Dr. C. M. Smith returned from his Dakota tour last Thursday morning. He was
joined by his brother at Waterloo, Iowa, and visited Sioux City, Elk Point, Vermillion, and other places
where objects of interest seemed to afford the greatest pleasure. The Doctor speaks of Mr. Sheafe as
doing a lively business in the lumber trade, and appears to take to the interests and improvements of
Dakota with a deep interest towards the establishment of permanent business. Mr. J. A. Pettigrew is
selling lumber and is pushing the business with his usual tact of energy. His business is increasing and
he will soon establish a prosperous trade. The Dr. expresses himself as highly gratified with the
appearance of Dakota.
130 Years Ago (1883): Campbell & Sons’ slaughter house was destroyed by fire on Monday night.
Two head of cattle were burned to death and a dressed beef and a quantity of hides and tallow was
consumed. Total loss amounting to about $400. No insurance.
120 Years Ago (1893): Evansville possesses one bank, one dry goods house, three jewelry stores,
one fancy goods store, one notion store, three harness shops, two bakeries, four meat shops, two
clothing stores, two hardware stores, one crockery store, three drug stores, three groceries, two
general merchandise, one boot and shoe, two cigar factories, two furniture, four barber shops, one
wagon shop, three millinery shops, one music store, three attorneys, one foundry and machine shop,
one carriage factory and numerous other branches of industry.
110 Years Ago (1903): A large party of young people from Evansville came out last Thursday evening
to W. Gillies’ farm for a “lark”. Oysters, coffee, sandwiches and pumpkin pie were served by the girl’s
embroidery club.
100 Years Ago (1913): Through the efforts of the Mother’s Club there will be a union meeting of all
Evansville Women’s clubs, in the Congregational church, next Monday evening, Nov. 10, at 7:30. Miss
Zona Gale, Wisconsin’s talented novelist will be the speaker of the evening, and all who have ever
read any of her “Friendship Village” stories will want to hear her. She is chairman of the civics
department of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and a prominent member of the Political
Equality League.
90 Years Ago (1923): Word was received in this city that A. E. Woods, who sometime in the summer
married Mrs. Bell Parker, of this city, and who afterwards was found to have several other wives living
and undivorced, had received a sentence in the court of Spokane, Washington of from three to fifteen
years for the theft of $7,000 worth of bonds from Mrs. Alma Schneider, his fifth wife. Arrangements
had been made to have Woods brought to Rock County for trial on the charge of bigamy had the
Washington courts failed to convict.
80 Years Ago (1933): M. H. Schleck, Madison, has succeeded A. T. Smith as local agent for the
Northwestern Railway company. Mr. Smith, who has served as local agent for the past 12 years, is now
located at Sparta where he accepted a position as telegrapher. Mr. Schleck has been employed with
the Northwestern company for the past 41 years during which time he has had charge of stations at
Wonewoc, Reedsburg, Fennimore, Wis., and Galena, Ill. He has been employed as telegrapher in
Madison for six years.
70 Years Ago (1943): Evansville was saddened Saturday night when Mr. and Mrs. Ben T. green
received a telegram from the naval department informing them that their only son, midshipman Thomas
Green, 19, was killed at 11 a.m. that day when the plane in which he was riding exploded over Latrope,
Pa, while he was enroute to the University of Virginia at Charlottesvillle. Green graduated from the
local high school in 1942 as the undefeated boxing champion in the 127- pound class. He also won
letters in football and basketball and at graduation received an honor medal from the Evansville
American Legion. He entered the University of Virginia in the fall of 1942 and a few months later
enlisted in the Navy R.O.T.C.
60 Years Ago (1953): City officials this week were engaged in discussions with J. Spencer Pullen
representing the Western Surety Company, who tendered a check from the company for $15,443.76 to
the city. The money represented the shortages in the accounts of former treasurer Phil Pearsall, who
was bonded by Western Surety. The check was still in Pullen’s possession Wednesday as the Review
went to press, with the delay in delivery apparently due to the fact that the city is demanding payment
of an additional $3,607.29, the costs of the special audit which uncovered the shortages.
50 Years Ago (1963): There has been a new classroom and subject added to the Evansville Junior
High School. It is a special class for students with severe or slight reading problems. Through many
studies and surveys, it has been found that poor reading ability slows a student down in every subject.
At present there are 40 students participating. There are no classes larger than 7. These classes
meet for 2 hours one week and 3 the next. This class provides group and individual help with reading
problems. Evansville is a very fortunate to “pioneer” in this subject since so many students have
reading problems. Very few school systems the size of ours are able to offer this needed help.
40 Years Ago (1973): Miss Penny LaVonne Hallmark became the bride of Dominic F. Redders, during
a candlelight service at 6 p.m. Saturday eve. Oct. 27 in the Congregational United Church of Christ.
The Reverend Joshua Crowell joined the two in holy matrimony in a double ring ceremony.
30 Years Ago (1983): Evansville Fire Chief Charles Nordeng received word from the State Fire Chief’s
convention that the Evansville fire Department has been awarded the “Rescue of the Year” Award for
the entire state. The department was cited for the rescue of Ron Krause from the overturned Baker
Mfg. Co. semi on Hy 14 north of Evansville, which resulted from avoiding hitting a tractor earlier this
year.
20 Years Ago (1993): Mrs. Hannah L. Sorkin, age 85, passed away on Friday, Oct. 29, 1993 at her
residence in Evansville Manor. She was born in Gomel, Russia, on June 29, 1908, the daughter of the
late Mendel and Shifra Pessin. She had been a resident of Evansville since 1939. She was united in
marriage with Samuel Sorkin, who preceded her in death in 1970. Dr. Samuel Sorkin was an Evansville
physician for many years. Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Sheila Sorkin and a son and daughter-in-law,
Dr. Michael and Deborah Sorkin; a grandson, Samuel and a sister Vivian Tait of Berkeley, CA.
10 years ago (2003): As of November 3rd the Evansville High School Fine Arts Department will only
have $2,400 left to pay on the Kawai Grand Piano Loan of $22,500. There are three levels of
donations that are available: Director’s Circle, $250 and up; Balcony, $100-249; and Main Floor $50-
99. Donations will be honored with a 1 x 3 memorial plate will be placed on a seat in the new
performing arts center.
In Review
Second Week of November 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Mr. J. B. Bemis the last of the adventurers, returned from Colorado, Monday
night, of last week. He reports his brother’s family, Mr. Edmund Bemis, as contented and well pleased
with their new home. Jerome is highly pleased with that country but thinks he shall not move hither
immediately.
130 Years Ago (1883): A number of parties have been in town this week talking with our citizens in
regard to digging a canal from this place to Brooklyn, and we are informed those most interested in
having water power and the future success of our city, gave the project considerable encouragement.
Six hundred dollars have already been subscribed. This will not only give us a better water power but
will open up some valuable farming land along the marsh through which it will pass. Evansville is
bound to be one of the liveliest cities in the northwest. Her businessmen are the most enterprising, her
citizens the most thriving and has the push generally to make a large city in the near future. Enterprise
besets prosperity and we have a large share of both.
120 Years Ago (1893): John Gillies returned from Dakota Wednesday morning. While in that far off
west country he purchased some 1,500 sheep for parties in this section. Gill Searles took 415; Steven
Bros. 126; Will Gillies 600, and for himself 365. The sheep all came here Thursday morning.
110 Years Ago (1903): Mr. and Mrs. John Apfel became the proud parents of a nice boy on Sunday,
Nov. 8, 1903 and all are getting along nicely.
100 Years Ago (1913): We the undersigned property owners on Main Street in the city of Evansville,
being interested in the improvement of said street and having an interest in the improvement proposed
to be made by paving desire to have a meeting of all property owners on said Main Street for the
purpose of discussing the quality and character of paving to be used if the street is to be paved. J.
Baker, J. P. Porter, Leon Franklin, T. C. Richardson, W. J. Clark.
90 Years Ago (1923): In view of the fact that the filling of Lake Leota in so short a time insuring there
need be no fear of the lake getting unduly low during dry seasons, people have been thinking of ways
and means to achieve the most enjoyment from it. Many have tried already to get sites for private boat
houses. This idea, however, should be held in check for a while until it is seen what the city council will
do regarding a proposition to build a covered pavilion for the band from which the lake may be watched
by visitors. Beneath the pavilion it is planned to put a municipal boathouse, thus getting away from the
unsightly shacks which so often mar the beauty of a lake. The idea is a good one and the people
back of the proposition are to be commended for their public spiritedness.
80 Years Ago (1933): A total of 42 vagrants were given lodging in the city jail here during October,
according to the monthly report of Chief of Police Fred Gillman. Practically all of them were
unemployed men looking for food and a night’s lodging.
70 Years Ago (1943): Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Klitzman, who were married recently, will be guests of honor
at a party and coin shower which will follow the regular meeting of the Waucoma Grange. Mrs. Klitzman
was formerly Miss Beulah Gransee.
60 Years Ago (1953): The Industrial Development Corporation is a logical way to improve our town
and it is a chance to do something for ourselves, according to Leonard P. Eager, Sr., President of the
Union Bank and Trust Co. Eager was speaking before the Chamber of Commerce meeting. The chief
problem at the present time is getting full support of the community behind the debenture sale. No
contracts have been or can be let for the construction of the new Dairyland Processors plant until the
full amount of money has been obtained. The plant will process, chiefly broiling chickens. Evansville
men deeply concerned with the Dairy Processors, Inc. proposed plant are J. R. May, president of the
Dairy Processors, Inc. and co-owner of May Bros. Hatcheries; C. W. Hyne, head of the Evansville
Industrial council; William Brown, president of the Evansville development Corporation and Forrest
Durner, former secretary of the Development Corporation.
50 Years Ago (1963): Larry’s Cities Service Station on North Madison Street has been purchased by
LaVerne and Robert Gallman. LaVerne has been on the police force for some time and Robert has
been employed as a mechanic at the Ford garage.
40 Years Ago (1973): Mrs. Wilma Pierce, who has been in the laundry business better than 20 years
in Evansville, has sold the laundry business and building and her home next door to Ron Buttchen of
Evansville. Mr. Buttchen will continue with the towel routes and laundry service to the schools, but the
family laundry service will be discontinued as of Dec. 1, 1973.
30 Years Ago (1983): The second town meeting for Evansville, in conjunction with the nationally aired
TV program on public television on the subject of Alcohol and Drug Abuse has been set. Last
Wednesday night some 35 persons were in attendance at the first town meeting. Two youths from
Janesville who are recovering teen age abusers shared their feelings with the group that there is a
need to education youngsters before they get to sixth grade. Peer pressure also is a big factor. They
spoke of how their relations with their families deteriorated and the hurts involved. They spoke of
feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.
20 Years Ago (1993): Along with the first snowfall for this season which occurred Friday night, Nov. 5,
comes a prediction of how many snows Evansville can anticipate. Using the old Indian formula of the
age of the new moon, which was October 15 (21 days) and adding this to the date on the calendar
(Nov. 5), the number of snows would be 25. Thus there are 25 remaining snows.
10 years ago (2003): The Evansville Pieces, Clutter and Quilts Study Group created a quilt and
donated it to the Evansville Fund. Members of the group who created the quilt are Linda Sorgatz,
Eileen Meredith, Joyce Matula, Jean Petterson, Beverly Quinn, Edie Manke, Susie Luers, Connie
Plachetta, Betty Allen, Peggy Nelson, Janis Golz, Mary Ann Alt and Kenlyn Fenrick
In Review
Third Week of November 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Mr. C. H. Wilder leaves this week for Europe. He takes along a few cheeses to
pay expenses and try the market. He stopped the Review and gave us some wholesome advice in
localizing before leaving.
130 Years Ago (1883): Died at her father’s residence at Fort Atkinson, Wis., Monday morning, Oct.
15, ’83, Mrs. Mary Estella, wife of F. E. Gosselin, aged 27 years. Married at the residence of the
officiating clergyman in Janesville, Rev. C. E. Goldthorpe, Nov. 15th, 1883, Mr. Fred E. Gosselin,
station agent at Evansville, to Miss Debbie E. Hawk, of Center, Wis. May peace, plenty, and prosperity
ever accompany them through life’s journey. Draw your own conclusions. We have ours.
120 Years Ago (1893): While out looking for news yesterday, we dropped in to see Dr. Evans, who
cordially invited us to the back room where he allowed us to inspect two large tumors which he
removed from the left side and breast of Henry C. McCoy of Cainville. It was a successful operation,
and nearly a pound of flesh and tumor cut out, but we heartily sympathize with the patient.
110 Years Ago (1903): The new Grange block is sufficiently advanced to commence being painted,
which is under the supervision of Geo. Dell a leading painter of our home city, and our grange friends
can rest assured of a first class job of painting when it is completed by Mr. Dell and his assistants.
100 Years Ago (1913): A number of Evansville women left on the noon train yesterday to attend the
equal suffrage convention in Madison. Among them were Mrs. E. P. Colton, Mrs. V. A. Axtell, Mrs. W.
F. Biglow, Mrs. Lewis Spencer, Mrs. E. Van Patten and Mrs. J. M. Evans.
90 Years Ago (1923): About 9:15, November 13, the water in Lake Leota had come to the top of the
new spillway. Wednesday morning, Mr. Wilder announced the time it had taken for the lake to fill was
17 days, 7 hours and 10 minutes. Church bells and fire whistles tell of the fulfillment of Evansville’s
dream. The closest guess for first prize was Minnie Lewis, time 17 days and 7 hours. Second prize,
Lucy Blackman, time, 17 days, 5 hours and for third prize, N. T. Slauson, Alfred Peterson, Nate Kelly
and Willis Miller tied with the same guess of 17 ½ days.
80 Years Ago (1933): Camp Evansville placed an historic land mark on the site of the camp grounds
here Saturday, Armistice day, by planting a double row of seedling walnut trees grown from nuts picked
up by Boy Scouts from the battlefield of Gettysburg. The trees have been planted on both sides of the
entrance to the camp grounds and have ported from rodents by screen wire enclosures. Capt. Max
Edelstein, in cooperating with the engineers assigned to soil erosion work, was instrumental in securing
the plants. The captain made arrangements with the local post of the American Legion for their future
care and preservation. Plans are under way for the erection of a concrete marker which will be placed
at the entrance gate. The plaque will explain the establishment of the Civilian Conservation camp here
and the planting of the trees. It will be made by the engineers engaged in conservation work.
70 Years Ago (1943): Football letters were presented Monday to 17 prominent high school athletes by
Coach George O’Neil, local physical education instructor. Seniors receiving the emblems were Donald
Janes, Gordon Lawry, Jack Reckord, Ralph McKenna, Wallace Johnson and Harold Zwickey.
Lettermen to be on next year’s team are Ace and Rollie Allen, Albert Apfel, John Hatlen, Merritt Tuttle,
George Dreher, Walter Clark, Phil Collins, Byron Holmes and Kenneth and Bill Giles. Rollie Gundlach
and Bill Meredith will also see action on the football field next year. Robert Geise was the football
manager during the past season.
60 Years Ago (1953): An enthusiastic group of about 75 people turned out Tuesday night for the
meeting scheduled by the Evansville Industrial Development Corp. to tell the public about the plans
and possibilities for additional industry in Evansville. The group had previously announced that it was
attempting to raise $75,000 to erect and equip a building. At the conclusion of the meeting Richard
Eager, secretary-treasurer of the development company announced that actual subscriptions for the 4
percent debentures were $16,600 with some thousands more promised, but not yet actually paid in or
a subscription blank signed. An intensive person-to-person selling campaign was being organized to
try to get the additional needed money.
50 Years Ago (1963): Wayne Ballard, an employee of the Evansville City Water and Light Dept.,
suffered broken ribs and other injuries when he was at work in a six foot ditch where sewer pipe was
being laid. Ballard had gone into the ditch to clean out some dirt that had fallen in from the side of the
ditch when suddenly the entire side caved in covering him up to his chest. Fellow workmen and others
who were near the scene of the accident began digging to remove Ballard from underneath the dirt.
When he was brought to the surface he appeared to be in a serious condition and he was taken
immediately to Stoughton Hospital where it was found he was suffering from broken ribs, shock and
bruises.
40 Years Ago (1973): On Saturday, Nov. 17th, at Lake Geneva, Evansville High School’s one-act lay
delighted both audience and judges alike. The cast and crew were rewarded with a triple “A” rating
and a berth earned for them at the State Contest. This is the third consecutive year that J. Peter Shaw
has directed his troupe to Stevens Point. Pat Krueger and Dave Devlin comprise the cast and Lori
Elmer, Jim Miller, Linda Milbrant, Susan Lien, and John Jordan comprise the crew.
30 Years Ago (1983): Five FFA members and their advisor, David Van Laarhoven, attended the
National FFA Convention in Kansas City where Van Laarhoven received the Honorary American
Farmer Award. Students attending were Dewey Hull, Greg Van Thournout, Doug George and Mark
Disch. Dan Fenrick also attended to receive the Regional Proficiency Award. The Evansville FFA
Chapter received the National Silver Chapter Safety Award and the National silver Chapter Award.
Kent Klitzman was unable to attend to receive the American Farmer Award. He was one of 700
throughout the United States to be awarded this honor.
20 Years Ago (1993): Julie Woulfe received first place in the State Land Conservation Association
Speaking Contest, held in Wisconsin Rapids on Nov. 6. She will present her speech on “Green
Shopping” at the Annual Land Conservation Association Conference in Green Bay on Wednesday,
Dec. 8, at that time she will also receive a $50 savings bond from the Rock County Land Conservation
Department. Julie is the daughter of Susan and Richard Woulfe of Evansville.
10 years ago (2003): The Evansville Community Partnership has made a final purchase of 11 more
snowflakes and 22 sets of lights for the garlands that decorate the lampposts for the downtown. This is
a project that has taken 3 years to complete. The lights, banners and snowflakes really add a touch of
holiday spirit to your shopping experience.
In Review
Fourth Week of November 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Two express and two freight trains were delayed here from Thursday night
until a late hour Friday morning waiting to get an engine on the track which had run off at the lower
switch. When the engine was replaced and the track was thought to have been made temporarily
secure, the express attempting to pass, run off in the same manner, thus causing another delay. The
State Journal wants to know what is the matter with the railroad at Evansville. A padlock for the switch
and a little care is about all that is needed just now.
130 Years Ago (1883): Miss Kittie Drown commenced her school in the Lyman Johnson dist. Last
Monday. Maggie Gillies the school at Union at the same time. Lizzie Gillies and Nellie Drown will teach
in the new high school at Brooklyn this winter.
120 Years Ago (1893): Patrick Griffin was fined $3 and costs, amounting to $7.59 by Justice Phillips
yesterday morning for being drunk and disorderly on the streets of our quiet little church going city. It
appears that Griffin was on a “toot” and “borrowed” a team and hack at Janesville and started out to
convince the people of our city that “they are coming in carriages.” He did succeed in convincing
Marshall Babcock of the fact and was promptly placed in the warming oven annex to our new town hall.
The gentleman who owned the team refused to prosecute and Patrick was let off with the above
mentioned fine for being intoxicated. Moral: It doesn’t pay for strangers to get drunk in a strictly
temperance town.
110 Years Ago (1903): Clyde Babcock returned home with a new automobile which he purchased in
Chicago.
100 Years Ago (1913): The members of the Evansville Investment Company left Saturday night for
Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, to look after the real estate holdings of the company and to close
two or three deals that have been pending for some time. In the party were T. C. Richardson, R. M.
Richmond, V. A. Axtell, F. W. Gillman, Geo. L. Pullen, Paul Ames, Wm. Smith, and Chas. Copeland.
90 Years Ago (1923): Walter Templeton won a free trip to the international fat stock show in Chicago,
on lambs at the baby beef show in Madison in October. He will leave Sunday for Chicago to be gone
five days. John Robinson left Thursday with 10 head of Herefords and his young Clydesdale mare.
William G. Miles left Thursday night with his sheep and Broughton Bros. near Albany, will leave with
their sheep. Hugh Robinson will leave Sunday to join his father.
80 Years Ago (1933): Clarence Bullock, 62, flagman for the Northwestern Railway company at its Main
street crossing here for many years and a lifelong resident of the city, died at 2 a.m. Saturday in his
home on North Fourth street following a week’s illness from heart trouble. Mr. Bullock was born April
21, 1871 in Evansville and was married to Mrs. Caroline Putman, Union township, 28 years ago.
Besides his wife and a host of friends throughout the city, he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mabel
Wolff; two grandchildren; and three brothers, George and Harlow Bullock, both of this city and John
Hartley, Iowa.
70 Years Ago (1943): Harry Hayward, Janesville, a resident of Evansville until a year ago will observe
his 90th birthday. Mr. Hayward was born in Northfield, Va., November 19, 1853 and came with his
parents to a farm near the Tullar school southwest of Evansville where his father built the first frame
house on the prairie. As a young man Mr. Hayward assisted his father in a meat market here driving a
wagon to sell meat throughout the neighboring country. He later became a mason and helped to erect
three of the buildings at the plant of the Baker Manufacturing company as well as constructing the
foundations to a large number of Evansville homes. About the year 1900 he operated a meat market
and grocery store in the F. A. Baker building, which business he sold and retired some years ago.
60 Years Ago (1953): Travelers in Wisconsin will soon have a new place to stop for the night in the
Evansville area. The Cavalier motel, located about three-quarters of a mile north of Union on highways
13 and 14, is expected to open in the near future. Mr. and Mrs. Einar Holman, formerly of Edgerton
are the owners of the Cavalier motel, which is in the final stages of construction and preparation at the
present time.
50 Years Ago (1963): Evansville paid final tribute to the late John F. Kennedy in a number of ways.
Special attention was devoted to the late President at Sunday’s mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church and
a special mass was held in the late President’s honor Monday morning. Several Protestant churches
joined hands in a united service which was held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Evansville Methodist
Church. Merchants, professional people and factories closed for three hours of devotion from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. on Monday.
40 Years Ago (1973): Several Evansville men came back to Evansville with four deer after a hunting
excursion to Gordon, Wis. last week, Dave Schuh, Ken Kuelz, Cal Anderson, Marshall Smith, Vince
Drendl, Chris Dickert, Dave Patterson and William Westbrook were in the hunting party. The largest
one shot was a 7 point and the others 6 point.
30 Years Ago (1983): Cal Anderson, Dr. Robert Heimerl, Ken Kuelz, Rollie Propst, Robin Patterson,
Rusty and Dr. Henry Youngman, were among a party of hunters at Gordon, Wisconsin, the past 10
days, successfully bagging 7 deer.
20 Years Ago (1993): Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Golz returned home Tuesday of last week from San
Francisco, after attending the wedding of their daughter. Marty Golz and George Cooper were
married November 13, 1993 at the Holy Name Church. The reception was held at the Golden Gate
Yacht Club.
10 years ago (2003): An Ecumenical Thanksgiving service will be conducted at St. John’s Lutheran
Church this Wednesday. The service, entitled “An Object Lesson Thanksgiving” will include a
Thanksgiving display of items reminding the worshippers of things for which we are thankful to God.
The service will be led by area clergy members of the Evansville Ministerial Association. Special music
will be provided by an Ecumenical Choir comprised of members of the church choirs of the participating
churches. The choir director is Karen Forde.